LIVING IN CARY - ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE
Founded in 1750, Cary is the state’s sixth-largest city and is located between Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, in an area consistently ranked among the best regions in the country to live, work and play. In 2001, Cary was declared the fourth safest of 327 large municipalities in the nation in the 8th Annual Morgan Quitno Safest (And Most Dangerous) City Award. As Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Jr. says, “We are close to numerous colleges and universities and are known for having tree-lined streets, well-planned subdivisions, beautiful office parks, world class recreation amenities, abundant shopping, and a revitalizing downtown, all of which truly make Cary a great place to live, work, play, raise a family, and do business.”
COMMUNITY
The Raleigh/Cary communities are an interesting blend of historic, tree-lined streetscapes and energetic urban life. Each has its own pace and influences, from walkable shopping and dining centers with a small-town feel, to the faster-paced entertainment districts where students and professors from seven area colleges and major universities contribute to the diverse mix of people and points of view.
Outdoor recreational choices are almost endless in this part of the Southeast, where four distinct but temperate seasons offer 220 days of sunshine annually. 12,512 acres of parks (according to the Trust for Public Land) make it easy to enjoy the abundant sunshine. The League of American Bicyclists has designated Cary as one of the fourteen recipients of the first Bicycle-Friendly Community awards for “providing safe accommodation and facilities for bicyclists and encouraging residents to bike for transportation and recreation.” The Maine-to-Florida U.S. Bicycle Route #1 passes through suburban Cary, as does N.C. Bicycle Route #2, the "Mountains to Sea" route.
Cary offers a blend of suburban comfort with a small-town feel. The community is friendly and welcoming, with plenty of local events and festivals to enjoy throughout the year. Downtown Cary is a charming mix of historic and modern, with great restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
EDUCATION
Education is the foundation of a vibrant community like Cary. This area boasts some of the nation’s top schools, making it an ideal place to live, especially for families with children.
The emphasis on education is evident, with the region hosting some of the world’s leading colleges and universities, such as Duke, UNC, and NC State. Additionally, Cary is home to esteemed private institutions like Cary Academy and Chesterbrook Academy, as well as notable high schools including Green Level, Green Hope, and Panther Creek.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The Raleigh-Cary area is a top spot for job seekers in the U.S., with major companies like Google, SAS, IBM, Cisco, and Apple setting up operations due to the favorable economic climate and focus on technology, healthcare, and education. Cary hosts MetLife’s technology headquarters and is conveniently close to RTP and the airport, making travel easy for residents.
SAFETY
Cary consistently ranks among the safest cities in the U.S. The city’s low crime rate is attributed to residents having access to good healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, which contribute to a comfortable standard of living. Cary excels in all these areas, making it a safe place to live where you can rest easy.
COST OF LIVING
Although the cost of living in Cary is somewhat above the national average, it is well justified by the exceptional quality of life, safety, and amenities the city offers. The median home price is approximately $626,346, and the average rent is around $1,666.
RECREATION AND PARKS
Cary is home to 31 parks, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Popular spots include Bond Park, with its boating and greenway paths, and Jack Smith Park, which features a splash pad and dog park. The town is also recognized as a bicycle-friendly community.
WEATHER
Cary enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are mild with little to no snow, while summers are warm, perfect for outdoor activities.
ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE
From the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival to the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, there’s always something happening in Cary. The town also has a vibrant arts scene, with venues like the Cary Arts Center and the historic Cary Theater.